Flat-type bedspring



June 15, 1954 N, c. GOLDBERG 2,680,856

FLAT-TYPE BEDSPRING Filed April 11, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORN EYS `lune l5, 1954 N. c. GOLDBERG 2,680,856

FLAT-TYPE BEDSPRING Filed April 1l, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR:

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ATTORNEYS.

Patented .lune 15, 1954 UNITED STATES OFFICE 12 Claims. l

This invention is a novel fiat-type beidsp'ring, being a structural type of low total depth of the metal fabric, substantially within a single plane, or layer, and designed for effective service without the need of, but adaptable to be supplemented in special cases by, the deep uprightV socalled coil springs which are the principal springy elements in the conventional type of bedspring shown, as an example, in this applicants prir Patent No. 2,382,990 of August 2l, 1945; a prior example of the flat type being disclosed in the expired patent of Grose No. 837,923 of December 1l, 1906. The present invention includes not only the bedspring, as a whole, with its frame members and connecting devices, but also the fabric thereof per se, being a structural arrangement of the elongated and other elements, including longitudinal and substantially straight tiewires and special longitudinal spring elements associated therewith, and numerous Clips or clasps constituting uniting` means for interconnecting and gripping nrmly the main components into a unitary fabric. In using herein broadly the terms wire or tiewire and the like, it is intended that other flexible or resilient metal members of elongated character are included, such as cables, bands or similar suitable substitutes;

The general object of the present invention is to aiiord a bedspring of the flat type having improved resiliency and efliciency in use, being at f the same time strong and rugged, and inexpensive to manufacture. A particular object is t`o afford in the recited type of bedspring an unusually extensive supporting area for the mattress or other load resting down upon the flexible wire and other elements of the fabric, inclusive of the longitudinal tiewires, adapted to yield by reason of their spring suspension mounting at the ends of the bedspring, and the associated other springy elements, providing resilient yield when a load is placed upon the mattress.

Other objects and advantages of the improvement include the avoidance of excess flexibility of fabric; the practical character of manufacturing method including the forming of prefabric'ated subassemblies in quantity in preparation for the nal assembling of the fabric of combined components. Further objects will be disclosed in the hereinbelow description.

To the attainment of the objects and advantages set forth this invention in one aspect consists of a nat-type bedspring, or the fabric therefor, wherein the fabric is built up of longitudinal wire' elements and other elements including attaching clips, in the special manner ci' form below described,l involving a system of preformed longitudinal fabric units each of substantial width and comprising as longitudinal components a single or double axial tiewire positioned parallelly between an opposed pair of wavy-wires or sinuate components, all substantially symmetrically arranged to present diamond shape openings between the wavy-wires, with interconnecting means or clips each clasping and attaching the tiewire of each unit with the proximal or tangent portions of the wavy-wire, and the units being arranged and interconnected in the fabric in such mutually lapping or laterally oifset manner that each diamond opening provided by each wavy-wire of each unit is sub"- divided into a plural number, preferably four, of smaller diamonds, thereby reducing the sizes of the multiplied fabric openings and at the same time thereby enhancing the aggregate supporting area of the bedspring; the offset lapping subassemblies or units being mutually attached or clipped together to unify the complete final assembly or bedspring' fabric.

n the accompanying drawings showing illustrative embodiments of the invention, Fig. l is a plan or top face view of one of the individual elements or pieces composing each of the bedspring units, this element, in its preferred form, being a longitudinal wire of wavy or sinuate forni so a's t'o afford resilient deformation under longitudinal pull or tension and to give transverse yield in the spring fabric, and being at the vsame time of double and preferably symmetrical twosided character, as shown, thus forming between its opposite halves or side portions a longitudinal system of diamond shape apertures.

Fig. 2 is a similar viewlof a basic or typical straight tiewire element, adapted to be associated with one 'of the wavy elements, in the makeup of each bedspring unit, such tiewire being shown of the preferred doubleform, composed of parallel strands or lengths running from end to end.

Fig. 3 on a larger scale, is a similar View of a single one of the preferred complete fabric units, constituting a combination of one of the symmetrical wavy-'wire elements of Fig. l and one of the normally straight tiewire elements cf Fig. 2, together with a row of holding clips or clasps applied at the meeting locations or tangency points of the longitudinal elements to grip securely and interconnect rmly these elements into the form shown, presenting a lengthwise series of diamond openings; the whole symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the damo'nd unit.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to' Fig. 3 showng a series of a selected number of the fabric units laid down, on a support or table, unconnectedly but in parallel adjacency, thus constituting an incomplete fabric as a preliminary step in one practical and preferred method of combining a series of the units into the unitary entire bedspring fabric or assembly of the preferred form of the invention; and as so arranged the clips and tie points being in transverse alinement.

Fig. 5 illustrates in top plan or face View the fabric structure produced by the succeeding steps and added components for completing the permanent composite arrangement of the fabric elements, namely, by means of a supplemental series of units, with additional clips, all these elements being composed in a special lapping or overlapped manner, with the units of each series offset laterally relatively to the adjacent units of the other series, thereby to multiply the diamond formations and to present, in the example of Fig. 5, a two-layer nal fabric embodying the invention.

In each of Figs. 1 to 5 the illustration is broken away and condensed longitudinally to abridge the figure by omitting the middle portion of the disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing a specically different fabric structure due to a somewhat different and alternating manner of arranging, assembling and uniting the two series of component units, while falling within the general principles characterizing Fig. 5; Fig. 6 showing what may be termed a continuous overlapping or shingled disposition of the units.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic edge View or vertical transverse section taken on the line 'I-l of Fig. 5, showing the two-layer plan of assembling and interconnecting the units to produce the fabric; and at the same time showing the plan, sometimes preferred, of providing a differential zoned fabric structure for the bedspring, with a central longitudinal Zone of double-layer formation as in Fig. 5, between side zones of a different form, preferably of single or one-layer fabric.

Fig. 8 is a diagram, of the same character as Fig. 7, shown in section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6, but showing the continuous overlapped or shingled mode of assembling the two Iseries of units to provide the double formation, either in a given Zone or for the full width of the fabric.

Fig. 9 is a plan showing a complete flat-type bedspring, including the frame thereof and with the characteristic fabric structure such as that and 8.

Fig. 10 in plan view shows a detail for the mounting of the fabric on the bedspring frame; by rows of helical or similar anchors or links extending between the fabric units and eyes or holes arranged along the length of each end bar.

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are detail cross sections taken through various clips and the elements thereby clipped, showing three different structures at the tie points'thereof; Fig. 11 corresponding with the clipping or tying arrangement of Figs. 3 to 6, while Figs. 12 and 13 show modified forms.

Fig. 14 is a View like Fig. 3, but showing a modified or one-piece structure of unit, containing a tiewire and a symmetrical wavy-wire, both fashioned or shaped from a single piece of wire.

Fig. 15 is a View like Fig. 5, but with the tiewires thereof replaced by metal bands, as in Fig. 13 indicated; one band serving like a pair of single wires constituting a double tiewire.

illustrated in Figs. 5 and 7, or that of Figs. 6

Fig. 16 is a view like Fig. 6, modified by the use of metal bands like those in Figs. 13 and 15, but these bands in Fig. 16 replacing not all, but only some, such as alternate, tiewires, thus affording an effective combination available for any of the modifications of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, the wavy-wire component 2l of each fabric unit is shown per se in Fig. l as composed of lengthwise pairs, i. e. two paired halves, strands or side portions 2f, 22, each of sinuate form, these wavy halves being unitarily connected or integrally joined, having both ends closed when embodied in the fabric unit. There is thus shown a loop end 23, presenting a continuous wire eye suitable for fabric mounting purposes; and a second end 2i, closed in use, but preferably having the extreme wire ends twisted together at 25, affording a discontinuous but closed eye. The halves of the wavy-wire ZI are seen to be symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the general longitudinal axis of this element; and by this arrangement the proximal or nearestapproaching points 26 of each side portion initially stand opposite to each other in substantial mutual contiguity or tangency, and eventually in alinement with other similar tangency points in a direction transverse to the length of the fabric. Due to this form of wavy-wire 2l the distal or furthest separated points 2l of the respective sides thereof are also in mutual transverse alinement, each distal point being adapted to be positioned in substantial contiguity with a similar distal point on one of the adjacent wavywires. This arrangement affords, in each wavywire element, a longitudinal series of open wire diamonds 23; and as a general result of this described structure each wavy-wire is of nearly the full length of the completed fabric and of substantial width dimension so that, with fairly large diamond openings, the fabric to be described can be made up with a conveniently small number of diamond-defining or 'wavy elements. The tangency points 26, 2 referred to constitute also tie points for mutually interconnecting the fabric elements, as will be further described.

The tiewire element 5U of each fabric unit is shown per se in Fig. 2 as composed preferably of two paired halves, strands or side portions 31E, 3 l, which are substantially straight. Fig. 11, showing a tiewire clipped to its wavy wire, indicates a double tiewire 3i), as in Figs. 2 to 5. The tiewire may be a single wire 36av as Fig. 12 shows; or it may be a metal band or strip 36h, see Figs. 13, 15 and 16. The double tiewire v36 of Figs. 2 to 5 is shown as having a first or looped end S2, which provides a continuous Wire eye for mounting purposes, while its other end 33 preferably has the extreme wire tips attached together as a twist 313, providing a discontinuous mounting eye for that end of the tiewire. The wavy wires 2l and tiewires 30 are substantially coextensive in length, while their two eyes, at each end, are adapted to be connected together and anchored by a resiliently tensioned link t9 (see Figs. 9 and 1G) which in turn is engaged with holes or eyes 5i provided along the end frame bedspring members or bars 4l' to be further referred to.

What is herein designated as the unit or sub-assemblage 36, constitutes a basic structural member, composed of the wire members or components 2l and 3D and means interconnecting these components at their points of tangency or adjacency into a permanently combined unit, of which a preferred example is that shown in Fig. 3, wherein the wire components 2| and 30 are 5 coaxial in the sense that their longitudinal axes coincide.

Various means may be used for uniting the components 2i and t@ into the permanent form of the structural unit 36, but welding and the like are not preferred. Clips are superior, and while they may be formed of bent or wrapped wire they are preferably of the plate type, each constituting a tie between the components at their tangential tie points; and each such plate clip consists of a body portion 38 (see Fig. 11) having prongs or tongues 39 adapted to be bent in and under the parts to be embraced and tightly clasped. The clips employed for interconnecting purposes throughout the preferred fabric are of four categories, series or systems, lil, 42, 43 and 44, according to their positions and functions. The term clip is intended to include equivalent attaching means, including welding.

The rst or primary system H of uniting clips, comprises a plural set thereof, each provided for uniting the components of one f the primary series of units 3f, being therefore located at each tie point or point of tangency between the proximal points 2t of each side of the wavy-wire 2i, the clip thus tying together not merely the two proximal parts of the wavy-wire but at the same time interconnecting 'these with the tiewire 3i?, whether in its double or paired form of Figs. li and others, or in its single-wire form of Fig. or even in its band or strip form of Figs, 13, l5 and others.

A secondary or suppliemental series of units 3l is provided, shown in Fig. 5, each thereof having the wavy and tiewires as before, designated 21X and SSX respectively, and drawn slightly heavier than 2i and 3i?. Each secondary unit Si has its components 21X and SEX interconnected as in 3, but by clips d2 of the second system, like the clips ii but for the different use.

The third system of clips d3, as later explained, aids the connecting together of the two unit series and 3'! as to the wavy-wires ZlX of the second series with the tiewires 3G of the first series. The fourth system il serves likewise to clip together the wavy wires 2l of the first series with the tiewires 33X of the second series of units.

The tie points are in the nature of nuclei, each clip being at a center into which converge two or four tiewire portions and four wavy-wire portions. For example, at each clip Ill, are clipped parts of a primary wavy-wire 2i and one tiewire Sii. Similarly at each clip i2 are united parts of a secondary wavy-wire 2 iX and one secondary tiewire So also at each clip 43 are connected parts of a wavy-wire ix with one tiewire Se, and at clips d4 two wavy wire parts 2l with one tiewire 30X. This clipping system, of four categories, gives complete unifying of the fabric, illustrated by the species of Figs. 5, S and others.

Having thus described the wavy-wires, the tiewires, and the basic units in which these are combined by clips of the irst and second systems, and the general plan or" completing the fabric by the use of the third and fourth systems of clips; there will further below be described the method and steps of combining and connecting numerous preformed units to produce the flat bedspring fabric of this invention. The unit series 3e and 3l are distinguished essentially from each other not in structure but Ain their relative position in the fabric; and the same with the clip systems 4l, 62, 43 and 44.

Referring now to the complete bedspring, this may be as shown in Fig. 9 as comprising side members or rails fit interconnected by end bars 4l, which may be at the same or different eleva" tions, in which latter case there are usually risers between the lower and the higher frame members. Fig. 9 shows the bedspring fabric located and suspended within the outline of the frame, with connecting means for suspending or anchoring under tension the complete bedspring fabric. The anchoring means preferably consists of short lengths or links it of springy metal, each for example having a helical body with coupling or hook 5i) (see Fig. 10) connecting it to one of the end bars Il?, the latter being formed with a transverse row of recesses or perforations 5l to receive the hooks. These links extend inwardly from the end bar to where they carry inner couplings or hooks 52 adapted 'to engage the eyes 23, 2t, 32, 33 at the ends of the fabric, so that each suspending link engages both an end bar hole and a pair such as 23 and 3,3 of fabric eyes or loops. The tiewires 3e having been explained as straight longitudinal wires, they afford no longitudinal stretch, but the use of the springy links i9 furnishing that function. This mounting system may be substantially conventional, as is also the use of a row of simple hooked links 5d at each side of the fabric eX- tending from the side members or rails et to the peripheral edges of the fabric, preferably to the outermost wavy wire defining diamond openings at each side edge of the fabric. The end suspension links are adapted, by reason. of their helical bodies, to accommodate the twists 25 and S15 within the helixes.

The primary or initial series of basic units 36 has been described on Figs. l, 2 and 3, and the same unit structure is employed for the secondary or subsequent series of units Si differing from 35 only in the location thereof as tied into the fabric; the terms primary and secondary being employed for these two series for lack of more appropriate terms. The second system of clips i2 of the secondary series of units are the same in purpose as the clips di. All of the units, longitudinally arranged, of both the 3E series and the t? series are of simiiar dimensions, mutualiy parallel and transversely alined in the fabric, as shown.

The manner of intercombining the two series of units in the plane of the fabric may be described as follows, in a way both to indicate the series of steps involved and to disclose the complete or nal fabric product. ample supply of units is assumed for use in both series.

While several difieren relative arrangements of the elements of the fabric fall within the present invention, the preferred arrangement is that shown in Fig. 5, while Fig. 4 represents one of the first mechanical steps in the preferred method of combining the supplied preformed basic units of the type of Fig. 3 to yield eventually the finished fabric of Fig 5, which may then be mounted on the frame of Fig. 9.

The primary units Sii are laid down in a mutual arrangement such that the distal width points 2'! of any two adjacent ones thereof substantially meet tangentially so that the spacing apart of the primary units 3e is practically to the same extent as the full width, between distal points 2l, of the individual units. As a matter of method a desired number of primary units may be laid down iiat on a table or other surface in close loosely assembled relation, later to become tied in with each other' and with the units of series 31. As thus considered, not only does each unit have large diamond openings, as shown in Fig. 3, but between any two adjacent units 3,6 there will exist a similar series of diamond openings, as seen in Fig. 4. Let us assume first a few units 3B are laid down loosely as described, others to be added as building proceeds with the progress of connecting units 31 into the structures.

The secondary series 31 of units may be in a generally similar arrangement to that of the series 36, but the 31 series being, in the fabric, not coextensive but in lapping relation to the primary series 36; such lapping consisting in a transverse offset of the secondary relatively to the primary units, and this offset being to the extent of one-half of the full widthwise dimension of the units. It brings the centerline of each secondary unit up to the line of distal points of a primary unit. This structure can be followed on Fig. 5, wherein are shown primary units 36 and also primary clips 4i and secondary clips 52.

Up to this point there have not been described the interconnections between the units of the primary series, nor between the units of the secondary series, nor the cross connections from one series to the other. These constitute the preferred means to lock or thoroughly interconnect in the fabric all of the units of the primary and the secondary series. This unifying system for the two unit series 36 and 31 is preferably as follows, using the supplemental or third system of attaching clips 43 and another or fourth system Lili; the function of these supplemental uniting means or clips being to interconnect, within the fabric plane, certain of the members or elements of both series 36 and 31. The disclosed manner of so uniting these unit elements consists in applying the supplemental clips 43 and @t at certain places of contiguity or tangent adjacency of the unit components. Thus, at places where a wavy-wire 21X of a secondary unit comes into symmetrical contiguity with a tiewire 3! of a primary unit, presenting a mixed combination,

a third system clip i3 is applied, functioning to .1

attach to each other the pair of symmetrical wavy-wire sides, and at the same time to attach this pair to the adjacent tiewire, as shown in Fig. 5. Or, in the same manner, wherever a primary wavy-wire 2l meets in tangency with the tiewire SEX of a secondary unit, a fourth system clip l is applied affording a mixed or cross connection which functions to interconnect these components 2l and 36X. The primary and secondary series of fabric units 36 and 31 are each thereby thoroughly combined and permanently interconnected by means of the first and second systems of clips 4I and 42 respectively, each applied interiorly within a single unit; while the supplemental clip systems is and fui interconnect the two series of units 36 and 31 into the nished bedspring fabric.

To explain further the structure, the complete unification of the two unit series 36 and 3l may be said to rest upon a cross-clipping system of interconnection. Just as the initially separate complete units of the two series were brought into interconnection solely by being clipped into the fabric as described, by use of the third and fourth series of clips, so to remove these clips i3 and fili would cause the entire fabric to fall apart into a mere loose accumulation of similar units 3E and units 31; and conversely, it is the progressive arranging and interclipping between complete unit series that builds up step by step the unified 8 fabric, in the form shown in Figs. 5 and 7, or for that matter in the alternative species shown in Figs. 6 and 8.

The essence of the complete structure built up of the first and second series of units 35 and 31, in one aspect, is that these units are combined, not coextensively, with each unit of series 31 overlying completely a series 36 unit, but with each unit 31 offset transversely thereby to present a structure wherein each of the units 31 laps one or parts of two units 3@ (or vice versa) to the approximate extent of half of the full unit width, and therefore so that the axis or tiewire 30X of each unit 31 comes not adjacent to or superimposed upon the axis of such unit 35 but, by reason of its offset, comes substantially adjacent to or superimposed upon the contiguous distal points of the wavy-wires 2l of one or parts of two adjacent units 35. Therefore, where a clip i3 or ifi of the third or fourth clip system is applied it unites the parts at a tie point of mixed combination, by reason of the clip embracing not only the axially positioned tiewire S or 35X of one unit, 36 or 31, but also the contiguous distal points of two adjacent wavy-wires 2P; or 2| of the other series. The clip systems 43 and lill function complementarily, so that every mixed tie-point, involving unit components of both series, may be clip-united to constitute the completed fabric. The operations may be progressive in that a few subassembly units may be laid down in position, the secondary lapping the primary by the aforesaid half width offset, and the clips i3 and 45 applied, and tightened or clenched, followed by adding further primary and then secondary units and clipping them into position as the assembling progresses. When the method steps have been performed the subdivision of each diamond space into the four spaces appears, as is seen by a comparison of Figs. 4 and 5, and the latter showing a great increase in load-supporting area.

The units, 36 or 31, each composed of two lengths of wavy wire 2l and a tiewire 35, suit ably united, may take different forms; such as the combination or one-piece unit 35 shown illustratively in Fig. lli, wherein the wavy-wire 21 may be integral with or welded to the tiewire 39C. Each component may have two lengths, the tiewire lying between the wavy-wire halves, with a double junction at one end providing hook-eyes 33C and a welding or twist 25C at the other end, providing eyes 24C. Fig. le omits the unit clips, to be placed as in Figs. 3, 4 and others. Wire twists in all cases can be eliminated by welding the ends of the components of the unit.

The described fabric as shown in Fig. 5 is one of two different species, which is described further on the small-scale diagram Fig. 7; the other species being that shown in Fig. f6, a variation from Fig. 5, supplemented by the diagram of Fig. 8. What characterizes Figs. 5 and '1 specifically is that all of the first series of fabric units 36a, 3% etc. are wholly below all of the second series Bib, 31d etc., the latter overlying entirely the under units of the first series. A close inspection of Fig. 5 shows this disposition, which is disclosed more specifically in Fig. 7, a transverse sectional view on the line 1 1 of Fig. 5. In these figures the two-layer principle is shown, and in Fig. 7 a middle zone only of a flat bedspring embodies the principle, the diagram showing at each side of the middle zone an outer zone of plain or single fabric 35. The Fig. 5 disclosure therefore embodies the general principles already described,

9 involving halfway offsetting or lapping of each unit of each series with respect to the two units of the other series; and these principles are embodied in both species, Figs. and 7 being distinguished by the two-layer structure.

The species of Figs. 6 and 8 differs from the first species in that there is no two-layer differentiation between the two series of units, but instead what is herein termed a shingled arrangement is employed, this being achieved by the mode of handling the units in laying them out for uniting or clipping purposes. By shingling the units as in Fig. 8, a different structure is obtained but, for bedspring purposes, the two species function in practically the same manner; and both structures have substantially the same general appearance.

For comparison, in Fig. 7 the under and upper series of units are marked 36 and 31 respectively, with exponents a, `b, c, beginning at the righthand boundary of the middle zone. If now, in Fig. 7, each unit tl is tilted slightly downwardly at its left edge, and thus placed halfway under the next 3E, and so on to the end, there will result the shingled arrangement of Fig. 8, the combined series of units presenting a continuous overlap, unit by unit; each unit overlapping the preceding one and underlapping the succeeding one. ln Fig. 8 the units are numbered and lettered to correspond with Fig. 7.

In practice of Figs. 6 and 8 it is preferred simply to lay down the like units in succession, each one to half overlie the one before it, in turn to become half overlaid by the next, this having some advantages. While the manner of assembling the subassemblies of units differs with the two-layer and the shingled arrangements, resulting in different structures, these two species both fall within the generic conception.

Certain terminology herein used is to be taken with due latitude; such as the word diamond for the shape of the opening between wavy-wire lengths as in Figs. l, 3 and l etc. The actual bent form of each of the two lengths of wavywire determines whether the four sides will be more nearly straight as in a true diamond, or more nearly convexly curved, a functional equivalent. In each case the two symmetrical lengths which diverge from any tie point then converge to the next tie point, in all illustrations.

Se the .ref rence to contiguity or tangential adliacency and 'the like is intended to admit variations of arrangement as to relative positions of the elements, the wavy and tiewires, at the tie points. They may be strictly tangent, or only approximately so as shown in Figs. 3 5 and others, wherein the wavy-wire lengths come short of meeting within each clip; or they may lap or overreach each other, in crossed relation, by reason of the extent of offset at each tie-point. In all such cases the clip can properly space and interconnect the substantially contiguous (adjacent or adjoining or overlap-ping) two wavy-wires, and with these usually the tiewire, all in the same uniting means or clip, and with or without crossing of the wavy-wires.

in describing the units of the first or under series and those of the second series as being relatively offset laterally to the extend of half of the spacing or width of the units in each series, this may indicate approximately one half, or even a substantial overlap short of one half, occurring at tie points, whereat is a clip uniting the more or less overlap-ping wavy-wire and the intersecting tiewire at each tie point.

Reference was made Vto the zoning plan by which the new structure of this invention may be embodied not only across the full transverse width of the bedspring but may be confined to one or more zones of lengthwise fabric elements. As an instance, in Fig. 7, using the fabric of Fig. 5, the entire bedspring is assumed to be divided into three longitudinal zones, the structure of the present invention being confined to the middle zone thereof, with another type or types of structure occupying one or both side zones; or the arrangement might be reversed and the invention placed to occupy the side zones, with another type of fabric for the middle zone. In any case the zones not occupied by the present invention may be lled out by any desired structure of flat bedspring, marked 35 in Fig. 7, representing any single or plain or other structure. The same remarks apply to the Zoned arrangement of Fig. 8.

Besides the mechanical advantages of the described bedsprings, such as those of Figs. 5, 6 and 9, they present the merits of pleasing design and appearance, in addition to their usefulness. The substitution in the place of the illustrated longitudinal tiewire pair 3i), in each unit, of bands Sb affords not only an improved structure for certain cases, increasing the supporting surface, but improves as well the appearance of the marketed article. See Figs. 13 and 15. A combination of performed unit series with alternate tiewires 30 of cable form and tie-bands Mib, as shown in Fig. 16, affords a further variation of mechanical and design features.

Each such longitudinal band component will, in any of the completed structures, have clipped to it the different series of wavy-wires, as shown in the modifications Figs. 15 and 16.

As already pointed out, the structure hereof involves an arrangement of transverse rows or lines of tie-points and clips; such as the mutually alined systems of clips d! and 42; and as a modification of the invention it is proposed to replace each such cross row of clips or alternate ones thereof, or the entire body of clips, by transverse multiple clip members; this conception being carried out as an example by substituting for each of the transverse rows of clips a transverse band, formed or cut at each tie point with a group of tongues or prongs adapted to be bent down inwardly and clinched against the tiewires and wavywires of the structure. This variation of disclosure is available for use in connection with the main fabric disclosures of Figs. 5 and 6 as also with the modified fabric structures shown in Figs. l5 and 16.

There have thus been disclosed and explained several embodiments of the present invention; but as many matters of combination, structure, arrangement and detail may be variously modified without departing from the invention it is not intended .tolimit the claims to such matters except to the extent set vfort in the respective claims.

I claim:

n l. A flat-type bedspring fabric built up of a primary series of longitudinal preformed units and a parallel secondary series of like units; each unit constituting a-unified subassembly composed of a central tiewire and coaxial therewith a wavywire having two lengths disposed symmetrically at'the opposite sides ofthe tiewire, and said components being united by clips at the proximal points of contiguity between the tiewire and wavy-wire; and the two unit series being intercombined in an assembled arrangement with the secondary-series units offset transversely to a substantially halfway extent of overlap with relation to the primary-series units, and with combining clips at the tie-points of intersection between the two series of units, each such combining clip being located to interconnect, at one of such tie-points, a. wavy-wire of one series with a tie wire of the other series of units; thereby to intercombine all of the preformed units of both series into unified flat-type fabric.

2. A fiat-type bedspring fabric as in claim 1 and wherein the fabric is composed of a plurality of transversely juxtaposed longitudinal Zones of bedspring structure, at least one of which is of the structure recited in such claim 1.

3. A flat-type bedspring fabric as in claim 2 and wherein there are three such longitudinal zones of bedspring structure, the middle one being of the claimed structure.

4. In or for a flat-type bedspring as in claim l, a basic unit composed of a single integral piece of bent wire of generally longitudinal shape, with a straight tiewire portion and spanning it a generally parallel wavy-wire portion.

5. A unit as in claim 4 and wherein the tiewire portion is central and composed of two strands and the wavy-wire component, continuous therewith, is composed of opposite lengths of wavy-wire; with clips at the points of contiguity between the tiewire and the proximal portions of the wavy-wire serving to interconnect the components into the complete unit.

6. A flat-type bedspring fabric as in claim l, in which the basic units and their components are united into the fabric by series and systems of clips that are arranged in rows transversely across the fabric, and wherein at least some of these rows of clips are of a structure each comprising a cross band which is provided at each tie point with suitable means to clip together a tiewire and a pair of wavy-wires.

7. A fiat-type bedspring comprising, resiliently mounted within the rigid outer frame, a springy fabric built up of tied-together elements including a primary series of longitudinal preformed basic units and a secondary series thereof, all of which units are of like dimensions, mutually parallel and transversely alined; and each of which units is composed of a double wavy-wire, and a tiewire member disposed centrally between the opposite lengths of wavy-wire, and the whole being integrated by uniting clips at the proximal points of contiguity between tiewire and wavywire, the wavy-wire opposite lengths presenting in each urlt a longitudinal row of diamond apertures; said two series of basic units being structurally combined in the fabric in the following arrangement; the assembled primary series of units being in a mutually alined parallel arrangement with their distal width points mutually contiguous thus to present diamond apertures between units; the assembled secondary series of units being in a like mutual arrangement, but in lapping relation to the primary unit series, and each unit of each series being in a position transversely offset relatively to each adjacent unit of the other series to the extent of about half of the width dimension of the units, thereby subdividing the said diamond apertures into transversely alined smaller diamond apertures; together with intercombining means between the primary and secondary unit series, the same con'- sisting of a first supplemental system of fastening clips located and acting at the points of contiguity between the tiewires of the primary unit series and the wavy-wires of the secondary series, and a second such system of clips located and functioning at the points of contiguity between the tiewires of the secondary series and the wavywires of the primary series; such supplemental clips of both systems thereby each functioning to interconnect a tiewire of one of the unit series with a wavy-wire of the other series, thus interlocking all of the preformed units of both series into a unitary flat-type fabric.

8. A flat-type bedspring comprising, resiliently mounted within the rigid outer frame, a springy fabric built up of tied-together elements including a primary series of longitudinal preformed basic units and a secondary series thereof, all of which units are of like dimensions, mutually parallel and transversely alined; and each of which basic units is composed of a double wavy-wire, and a tiewire member disposed centrally between the opposite lengths of wavy-wire, and the whole being unified by fastening clips at the proximal points of contiguity between tiewire and wavy-wire; said two unit series having the following arrangement; the primary series of units being in parallel relation with their distal points contiguous thus to present diamond apertures between units; the secondary series being in a like arrangement, but in lapping relation to the primary unit series, and each unit of each series being in a position transversely offset relatively to each adjacent unit of the other series to the extent of about half of the width dimension of the units, togeher with means intercombining the primary and secondary unit series consisting of a first supplemental system of fastening clips located at the points of contiguity between the tiewires of the primary unit series and the wavy-wires of the secondary series, and a second such system located at the points of contiguity between the tiewires of the secondary series and the wavy-wires of the primary series; such supplemental clips thereby each functioning to interconnect a tiewire of one of the unit series with a wavy-wire of the other series, thus interlocking all of the preformed units of both series into a unitary nat-type fabric.

9. A bedspring fabric of the flat type built up of a primary series of longitudinal preformed units and a secondary series of like units, all parallel and transversely alined in the fabric; each unit constituting a subassembly composed of a central tiewire and a wavy-wire having two lengths disposed symmetrically at the opposite sides of the tiewire, with fastening clips at the proximal points of contiguity between the tiewire and wavy-wire; and the two unit series being structurally intercombined as follows: the primary series units being in an assembled arrangement, with their distal width points contiguous, the secondary series units being in a like assembled arrangement but in lapping relation to the primary unit series, each unit of each series being offset widthwise relatively to each adjacent unit of the other series to the extent of one-half of the width dimension of the units; and combined therewithV two supplemental systems of fastening clips, those of the first system being located at the points of contiguity of the tiewires of the primary unit series with the distal points of the wavy-wires of the secondary series, and the clips of the second system being located at the contiguity points of the tiewires of the secondary series with the distal points of the wavy- Wres of the primary series; thereby intercombining all of the preformed units of both series into a unified flat-type fabric.

10. A fiat-type bedspring fabric built up of preformed subassembly units and fastening clips as in claim 9 recited, and wherein the fabric comprises two series of such units intercombined as follows: the rst unit series being wholly in one layer of the flat fabric and the second series being wholly in an adjacent second layer transversely offset and lapping with respect to the rst series, and said two 1ayers being mutually clip-fastened in such intercombination.

11. A flat-type bedspring fabric built up of preformed subassembly units and fastening clips as in claim 9 recited, and wherein the fabric comprises two series of such units intercombined in a shingled manner with each unit overlying and lapping the next contiguous unit at its one side and underlying and lapping the next contiguous unit at its other side; and said two layers being mutually clip-fastened'in such intercombination.

12. A flat-type bedspring fabric built up of a plurality of similar longitudinal and elongated preformed structural units of substantial width and arranged parallel and transversely alined in the fabric; each of the successive units constituting a unitary subassembly of component elements presenting a longitudinal row of quadrilateral apertures, and the units being intercombined and united within the fabric, with each of the successive units lapped with relation to each preceding unit and also with each succeeding unit by being structurally offset to the substantial extent of about half of the width of a unit, whereby such lapping of the successive units subdivides the said apertures into smaller apertures; the recited elements being comibned with clip means permanently uniting all said units into a flat springy fabric supportable in an outer frame; and such fabric being characterized in that the structural units are arranged in a shingled manner with each unit overlying and lapping the next contiguous unit at its one side and underlying and lapping the net contiguous unit at its other side; and said two layers being mutually clipfastened in such intercombination.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 9,920 Field Nov. 1, 1881 638,905 Brown Oct. 8, 1901 837,923 Grose Dec. 1'1, 1906 1,263,659 Fraley et al Apr. 23, 1908 1,335,984 Piper Apr.- 20, 1920 1,433,268 Gale Oct. 24, 1922 1,569,439 Stuewe et al Jan. 12, 1926 2,272,276 Piliero Feb. 10J 1942 2,382,990 Goldberg Aug. 21, 1945 

